WO2008150258A1

WO2008150258A1 - Methods for conducting talent contests

Info

Publication number: WO2008150258A1
Application number: PCT/US2007/013142
Authority: WO
Inventors: Colleen Zulian
Original assignee: Asia Sounds Holdings Ltd.
Priority date: 2007-06-04
Filing date: 2007-06-04
Publication date: 2008-12-11
Also published as: TW200849028A

Abstract

Methods for conducting a talent contest are provided. A predetermined number of finalists in a song contest and a predetermined number of finalists in a performance contest in each of a plurality of regions are selected based on predetermined criteria. One or more broadcasts are provided in each of the plurality of regions, where the selected predetermined number of finalists in the song contest compete against one another and the selected predetermined number of finalists in the performance contest compete against one another until a song regional finalist and performance regional finalist are selected. The performance regional finalist from each of the plurality of regions compete against one another by performing one or more songs until a winning performance regional finalist is selected.

Description

0244/77432

METHODS FOR CONDUCTING TALENT CONTESTS

BACKGROUND

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates generally to talent contests, and more particularly, to methods for conducting one or more talent contests in one or more geographic regions. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Music is one of the most popular forms of entertainment in the world. Music is composed and performed for many purposes. Many talented composers and performers are scattered over the globe and have no easy way of connecting with recording companies and consumers in different parts of the world. For example, recording companies in the United States may not be familiar with amateur composers and performers in other parts of the world. In addition, consumers in certain areas, such as the United States, may not be familiar with composers and performers in other parts of the world, and vice versa. In order to ensure worldwide growth, composers and performers need international promotion. However, to achieve international promotion, the composers and performers should be identified as the most talented in each of their respective geographic regions.

Television programs such as American Idol® exist to discover and promote the best singer in the country through nationwide auditions throughout the United States. However, such programs are only targeted at discovering the most talented performer and do not focus on finding any other talent, such as, for example, the best composer of music. In addition, these programs are identical in all regions throughout the United States and do not consist of 0244/77432 different broadcasts to separately identify the best talent from each region through contests specific to each region.

Accordingly, there is a need for providing a method of conducting talent contests that allows talented musical composers and performers to simultaneously compete in one competition, where one or more talent contests are first separately conducted in a plurality of different geographic regions to identify the best musical talent to compete for the top prize. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To that end, the present invention contemplates a method for conducting a talent contest, including, selecting a predetermined number of finalists in a song-writing contest and a predetermined number of finalists in a performance contest in each of a plurality of regions based on predetermined criteria, providing one or more broadcasts in each of the plurality of regions, where the selected predetermined number of finalists in the song-writing contest compete against one another until a song regional finalist is chosen and the selected predetermined number of finalists in the performance contest compete against one another until a performance regional finalist is selected, wherein the one or more broadcasts are different in each of the plurality of regions, and providing one or more additional broadcasts where the performance regional finalists from each of the plurality of regions compete against one another by performing one or more songs until a winning performance regional finalist is selected, wherein the one or more songs comprise the song regional finalist from a same region as the performance regional finalist.

The invention also contemplates a method for conducting a talent contest, including, selecting a predetermined number of finalists in a song-writing contest and a predetermined number of finalists in a performance contest in each of a plurality of regions based on predetermined criteria, providing a first broadcast in each of the plurality of regions, where 0244/77432 the selected predetermined number of finalists in the song- writing contest will perform, wherein the first broadcast is different in each of the plurality of regions, providing a second broadcast in each of the plurality of regions, where the selected predetermined number of finalists in the performance contest will perform, wherein the second broadcast is different in each of the plurality of regions, allowing public voting in each of the plurality of regions to select one or more finalists in the song-writing contest and one or more finalists in the performance contest, providing a third broadcast in each of the plurality of regions, where a song regional finalist and a performance regional finalist are announced based on the public voting, wherein the third broadcast is different in each of the plurality of regions, providing a final broadcast where each performance regional finalist from the plurality of regions compete against one another by performing one or more songs, wherein the one or more songs include a song by the song regional finalist from each of the plurality of regions, and allowing a combination of public voting and judge voting to select a winning performance regional finalist, wherein the winning performance regional finalist also includes the winning song regional finalist.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features of the present application can be more readily understood from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

Figure 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary computer system capable of implementing the method of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a flow chart illustrating a method for conducting a talent contest, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating a method of conducting a talent contest, according to the embodiment of the present disclosure; 0244/77432

Figure 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method for conducting a talent contest, according to another embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 5 is a flow chart illustrating a method for conducting a talent contest, according to the other embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention provides tools for conducting one or more talent contests. Figure 1 shows an example of a computer system 100 which may implement the methods of the present invention. The methods of the present invention may be implemented in the form of a software application running on a computer system, for example, a mainframe, personal computer (PC), handheld computer or server. The software application may be stored on a recording medium locally accessible by the computer system, for example, floppy disk, compact disk, or hard disk, or may be remote from the computer system and accessible via a hard wired or wireless connection to a network (for example, a local area network, or the Internet) or another transmission medium. The computer system 100 can include a central processing unit (CPU) 102, program and data storage devices 104, a printer interface 106, a display unit 108, a (LAN) local area network data transmission controller 110, a LAN interface 112, a network controller 114, an internal bus 116, and one or more input devices 118 (for example, a keyboard or a mouse). As shown, the system 100 may be connected to a database 120, via a link 122. The discovery and launch of unsigned talent can be established by major music events throughout a plurality of different regions, revealing the hottest unsigned contemporary artists to the world. The method of the present invention promotes the wealth of creative and artistic contemporary talent in a plurality of different regions, stimulates the output of high quality original songs and artists, preserves and promotes the unique cultural identities of 0244/77432 regional artists and their music within a global market, and presents a vehicle to promote quality regional artists and their music to global audiences.

Figure 2 is a flow chart illustrating a method of conducting talent contests, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. A predetermined number of finalists in a song- writing contest and a predetermined number of finalists in a performance contest in each of a plurality of regions are selected based on predetermined criteria (Step S201). For example, composers from across the region may submit an application form for the song-writing contest, including a biography, lyrics, and a clear recording of the song or songs to be submitted. A panel of credible industry professionals will select a predetermined number of song finalists, for example, twelve song finalists, from within each region based on predetermined criteria, such as, uniqueness of the song, how the song incorporates and represents the cultural aspects of each region, and/or structure of the song, etc. Similarly, performers from across the region may submit an application form for the performance contest, including, a photo biography and a clear recording of their vocal ability. A panel of industry professionals will screen the applications and select a predetermined number of performance finalists based on predetermined criteria, such as, performance during live audition, vocal ability, and/or performance appeal, etc.

One or more broadcasts are provided in each of a plurality of regions, where the predetermined number of finalists in the song contest selected in Step S201 compete against one another until a song regional finalist is selected and the predetermined number of finalists in the performance contest selected in Step S201 compete against one another until a performance regional finalist is selected, wherein the one or more broadcasts are different in each of the plurality of regions (Step S202). One or more additional broadcasts are also provided where the performance regional finalist selected in Step S202 from each of the 0244/77432 plurality of regions compete against one another by performing one or more songs until a winning performance regional finalist is selected, wherein the one or more songs comprise the song regional finalist selected in Step S202 from a same region as the performance regional finalist (Step S203). The song regional finalist and the performance regional finalist from each region may be selected by public vote, judge vote and/or a combination of both. Similarly, the winning performance regional finalist may be selected by public vote, judge vote and/or a combination of both.

According to an embodiment, the method of the present invention comprises three different broadcast events to be produced and broadcast in each of a plurality of regions. The term broadcast shall include transmission through television, radio, Internet or any other means apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art. Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating a method of conducting talent contests, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Each region 300, 301 302 may host, for example, a song contest broadcast 300a, 301a, 302a, a performer contest broadcast 300b, 301b, 302b and a regional finals broadcast 300c, 301c, 302c. Prior to the opening of the song contest broadcast 300a, 301a, 302a and the performer contest broadcast 300b, 301b, 302b in each region 300, 301, 302, a marketing campaign internal to each region may announce the start of the competition and encourage composers and performing artists to audition. In the regional finals broadcast 300c, 301c, 302c, each region 300, 301, 302 may select a winning regional song and performer 300d, 301d, 302d to represent their region 300, 301, 302 through, for example, public voting and/or judge voting. Following the three broadcast events, a final "Gala Event" 303 may be broadcast in all regions, where the winning regional performers, each performing the winning regional song 30Od, 301d, 302d will compete against one another. A combination of public voting and judge voting may select the overall winners. 0244/77432

Figure 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method for conducting a talent contest where each region holds a song-writing contest and a separate performer contest to identify a song to represent their region and a performer to perform the selected song at the final broadcast, according to one embodiment of the present invention. A predetermined number of finalists in a song-writing contest and a predetermined number of finalists in a performance contest in each of a plurality of regions are selected based on predetermined criteria (Step S401). A first broadcast is provided in each of the plurality of regions, where the selected predetermined number of finalists in the song contest will perform (Step S402). The first broadcast will be different in each of the plurality of regions as only the predetermined number of song finalists from each respective region will be broadcast. According to an embodiment, the first broadcast may also highlight an overview of each region, for example, each region's beautiful and diverse areas, cultures and attractions.

A second broadcast is provided in each of the plurality of regions, where the selected predetermined number of finalists in the performance contest will perform (Step S403). The second broadcast will be different in each of the plurality of regions as only the predetermined number of performance finalists from each respective region will be broadcast.

According to an embodiment, the predetermined number of finalists may perform one or more songs in the second broadcast, where the songs may include the regional song of each of the predetermined number of song finalists from the first broadcast. Tn addition, the second broadcast may also highlight a brief snap shot of each participating region, individually highlighting each region's beautiful landscapes and rich cultures.

Public voting is allowed in each of the plurality of regions to select the one or more finalists in the song contest and one or more finalists in the performance contest (Step S404).

For example, each region will be voting for its favorite song and favorite performer to 0244/77432 represent that region in the final broadcast. The public vote for the song contest may take place immediately after the first broadcast is complete and the selected predetermined number of song finalists have performed or it may take place immediately when the finalists are announced prior to the first broadcast. Similarly, the public vote for the performance contest may take place immediately after the second broadcast is complete and the selected predetermined number of performance finalists have performed or it may take place immediately when the finalists are announced prior to the second broadcast. According to an embodiment, each song finalist and each performance finalist will be extensively marketed and promoted through various media outlets (for example, through television, radio and/or Internet) at the end of the first and second broadcasts. This allows the public to become familiar with each of the finalists so that they may decide who they would like to vote for. Public voting can take place either through telephone, text enabled wireless devices or personal computers, and may remain open for a predetermined time, for example, for days before the third broadcast, hours after the first and second broadcast are complete, or even twenty minutes prior to the announcement of the regional finalists during the third broadcast.

A third broadcast is provided in each of the plurality of regions, where a song regional finalist and a performance regional finalist are announced based on the public voting (Step

S405). The third broadcast will be different in each of the plurality of regions as the song regional finalist and performance regional finalist will be different in each region. According to an embodiment, the third broadcast may include a re-cap of the previous one or more finalists in the song contest and one or more finalists in the performance contest and/or may showcase the host region, highlighting its physical and tourism attractions as well as focusing on its rich culture. Major performing artists from each region may be invited to perform during the third broadcast. Once the public voting has been counted and finalized, the top 0244/77432 five finalists in the song contest and the top five finalists in the performance contest may be announced in descending order, where the top finalist in each contest will be the song regional finalist and performance regional finalist, respectively, in each region. The third broadcast may close with the winning regional song of the song regional finalist performed by the performance regional finalist. According to an embodiment, professional recordings and videos may be produced for the song regional finalist and performance regional finalist from each region. These professional recordings and videos may be distributed throughout the world prior to the final broadcast to generate interest in each of the finalists.

A final broadcast is provided where each performance regional finalist from the plurality of regions compete against one another by performing one or more songs (Step S406). The one or more songs include the song regional finalist's winning song from each performer's respective region. The songs may be performed before a judging panel and/or a studio audience. According to an embodiment, the final broadcast may take place in a host region and may showcase the host region, highlighting its physical and tourism attractions as well as focusing on its culture.

A combination of public voting and judge voting is allowed to select a winner (Step S407). The winner includes a winning performance regional finalist and a winning song representing a winning region. A panel of judges, for example, may include highly respected celebrities and/or music industry professionals from around the world. A combination of public voting and judge voting may select the winning performance regional finalist. For example, ten judges may each submit their votes and the public voting may make up the eleventh judging role. According to an embodiment, the judges may place each act in order of preference and award their first preference, for example, four points, down to their least preferred act, for which they may award one point. Similarly, the act that receives the most 0244/77432 votes by the public will receive, for example, four points and the act with the least amount of votes from the public will receive one point. Public voting lines may open once the regional representatives are announced and they may close ten minutes, for example, after the last performance, according to an embodiment. The public may be allowed to vote as many times as they can, or in the alternative, only one vote per phone may be allowed.

Figure 5 is a flow chart illustrating a method for conducting a talent contest, according to one embodiment of the present invention. Applications are received for the Song Contest and a predetermined number of finalist songs are selected by a judging panel in each participating region (Region One, Region Two, and Region Three), (Steps SSOOa, S500b, S500c). A first broadcast ("Song Contest") is transmitted in each region where the selected predetermined finalist songs are performed to an audience, for example, a live audience (Steps S501a, S501b, S501c). According to an embodiment, public voting for each region's favorite finalist song may begin once the finalist songs are announced through various media outlets, such as the Internet (Steps S502a, S502b, S502c). Applications may also be received for the Performer Talent Search and a predetermined number of finalists are chosen by a judging panel in each participating region (Region One, Region Two, and Region Three), for example, through live audition (Steps S503a, S503b, S503c). A second broadcast ("Performer Talent Search") is transmitted in each region where the selected predetermined number of finalist performing artists perform to an audience, for example, a live audience (Steps S504a, S504b, S504c). According to an embodiment, public voting for each region's favorite finalist performing artist may begin once the finalist performing artists are announced through various media outlets, such as the Internet (Steps S505a, S505b, S505c). A third broadcast ("Regional Finals") is transmitted in each region where a predetermined number of top finalist songs and a predetermined number of top finalist performing artists are 0244/77432 announced (Steps S506a, S506b, S506c). For example, the top five finalist songs and top five performing artists can each he announced in order from fifth to the top regional winners. The winning performing artists in each region may take part in a fourth broadcast ("Pre-Gala Event") where each artist will perform one or more cover songs (Step S507). Public voting for the winning cover song for each regional performing artist may begin once each regional performing artist has performed his/her one or more cover songs (Step S508). According to one embodiment, the public from Region One can only vote for the finalist cover song for the Region One winning performing artist. Similarly, the public from Region Two and Region Three can only vote for the finalist cover song for the Region Two winning performing artist and Region Three winning performing artist, respectively. . The finalist cover songs with the most votes after a predetermined time, for example, twenty minutes after the fourth regional broadcast ends, will be the cover songs performed by each regional performing artist at the final broadcast. A final broadcast ("Gala Event") is transmitted where the regional winning performing artists compete against one another and perform, for example, the regional winning song and the winning cover song selected by the public (Step S509). According to an embodiment, public voting for the winning performance artist (which includes the winning cover song) may begin when, for example, at the end of the fourth broadcast or at the beginning of the final broadcast and may end a predetermined time after the last regional winners' performance (Step S510). At the close of the final broadcast, the winning performance artist will be announced.

Numerous additional modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in view of the above-teachings.

Claims

0244/77432 What is claimed is:

1. A method for conducting a talent contest, comprising: selecting a predetermined number of finalists in a song contest and a predetermined number of finalists in a performance contest in each of a plurality of regions based on predetermined criteria; providing one or more broadcasts in each of the plurality of regions, where the selected predetermined number of finalists in the song contest compete against one another until a song regional finalist is selected and the selected predetermined number of finalists in the performance contest compete against one another until a performance regional finalist is selected, wherein the one or more broadcasts are different in each of the plurality of regions; and providing one or more additional broadcasts where the performance regional finalist from each of the plurality of regions compete against one another by performing one or more songs until a winning performance regional finalist is selected, wherein the one or more songs comprise the song regional finalist from a same region as the performance regional finalist.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the song regional finalist and the performance regional finalist in each of the plurality of regions, and the winning performance regional finalist are selected by a combination of public vote and judge vote. .

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the song regional finalist and the performance regional finalist in each of the plurality of regions, and the winning performance regional 0244/77432 finalist, are selected by public vote.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the song regional finalist and the performance regional finalist in each of the plurality of regions, and the winning performance regional finalist, are selected by judge vote.

5. A method for conducting a talent contest, comprising: selecting a predetermined number of finalists in a song contest and a predetermined number of finalists in a performance contest in each of a plurality of regions based on predetermined criteria; providing a first broadcast in each of the plurality of regions, where the selected predetermined number of finalists in the song contest will perform, wherein the first broadcast is different in each of the plurality of regions; providing a second broadcast in each of the plurality of regions, where the selected predetermined number of finalists in the performance contest will perform, wherein the second broadcast is different in each of the plurality of regions; allowing public voting in each of the plurality of regions to select one or more finalists in the song contest and one or more finalists in the performance contest; providing a third broadcast in each of the plurality of regions, where a song regional finalist and a performance regional finalist are announced based on the public voting, wherein the third broadcast is different in each of the plurality of regions; providing a final broadcast where each performance regional finalist from the plurality of regions compete against one another by performing one or more songs, wherein the one or more songs include a song by the song regional finalist from each of the plurality 0244/77432 of regions; and allowing a combination of public voting and judge voting to select a winner.

6. The method of claim 5, further comprising a fourth broadcast, where the performance regional finalists from the plurality of regions perform one or more songs, wherein public voting determines which one or more songs the performance regional finalists will perform at the final broadcast.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the fourth broadcast is enabled through television, radio, or Internet.

8. The method of claim 5, wherein the first broadcast, second broadcast, third broadcast and final broadcast are enabled through television, radio or Internet.

9. The method of claim 5, wherein the public voting for the one or more finalists in the song contest occurs immediately after the first broadcast is complete and the selected predetermined number of finalists have performed and the public voting for the one or more finalists in the performance contest occurs immediately after the second broadcast is complete and the selected predetermined number of finalists have performed.

10. The method of claim 5, wherein the public voting for the one or more finalists in the song contest occurs immediately when the one or more finalists are announced prior to the first broadcast and the public voting for the one or more finalists in the performance contest occurs immediately when the one or more finalists are announced prior to the second 0244/77432 broadcast.

1 1. The method of claim 5, wherein public voting occurs through telephone, text enabled wireless devices, or personal computers.

12. The method of claim 5, wherein the winner includes a winning performance regional finalist and a winning song representing a winning region.